Underwater systems for digital image capturing devices

ABSTRACT

An underwater system is disclosed for use with a digital image capturing device (DICD) in underwater environments. The underwater system includes a center band having first and second support bands; a first housing fixedly connected to the first support band and including an optically clear material; a second housing fixedly connected to the second support band and including an optically clear material; a cradle connected to the first support band and configured to receive the DICD; and a latching mechanism positioned between the cradle and the first support band. The second support band is pivotally connected to the first support band such that the underwater system is repositionable between an open position and a closed position, and the latching mechanism is repositionable between a locked position, in which the latching mechanism securely engages the DICD, and an unlocked position, in which the latching mechanism is disengaged from the DICD.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/788,458, filed on Jan. 4, 2019, theentire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a system for use withdigital image capturing devices (DICDs), and, more specifically, to anunderwater system for housing such devices.

BACKGROUND

Operating a DICD in an underwater environment may be desirable in avariety of situations. However, contact between the lens(es) of the DICDand the water can create distortion and compromise image quality. Tocombat this issue, the present disclosure describes various waterproof,underwater systems that are configured to house (or otherwiseaccommodate) DICDs to not only prevent damage to the DICD, but alsoincrease separation between the lens(es) of the DICD and the water toreduce distortion.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an underwater system isdescribed for use with a digital image capturing device (DICD) inunderwater environments. The underwater system includes a housing withfirst and second housing portions, and a base. The first housing portionincludes a first dome, and the second housing portion includes a seconddome. The second housing portion is directly connectable to the firsthousing portion such that the housing is reconfigurable between an openconfiguration, in which the DICD is insertable into and removable fromthe housing, and a closed configuration, in which the first and secondhousing portions collectively define a waterproof interior cavity. Thebase is positioned within the waterproof interior cavity and isconfigured to receive the DICD such that electrical communication isestablished between the base and the DICD.

The first and second domes define first and second centerpoints,respectively, that collectively define a first axis. In certainembodiments, the first and second housing portions may be connectablesuch that the base is separated from the first axis along a second axisthat extends orthogonally in relation to the first axis.

In certain embodiments, the first and second housing portions may bepivotally connected to each other. For example, the housing may furtherinclude a pivot member that connects the first and second housingportions. In such embodiments, the pivot member may define a pivot axisthat extends in orthogonal relation to the first axis (defined by thecenterpoints of the first and second domes).

In certain embodiments, the housing may further include at least oneclosure member that is movable between a first position, in which thefirst and second housing portions are relatively movable, and a secondposition, in which the first and second housing portions are fixed inrelation to each other.

In certain embodiments, the closure member may be slidable in relationto the first and second housing portions during movement between thefirst and second positions.

In certain embodiments, the closure member may be configured toapproximate the first and second housing portions during movement fromthe first position to the second position.

In certain embodiments, the closure member may include a clamp.

In certain embodiments, the first housing portion may define a firstplanar surface and the second housing portion may define a second planarsurface. In such embodiments, the first and second planar surfaces mayface each other, and may correspond in configuration, such that thefirst and second planar surfaces form a seal upon movement of thehousing into the closed configuration.

In certain embodiments, the housing may further include a sealing memberthat is positioned between the first and second housing portions tofacilitate sealing of the housing, and establishment of the waterproofinterior cavity, upon movement into the closed configuration.

In certain embodiments, the first and second domes may each define adiameter of approximately 4″.

In certain embodiments, the base may include a power source. In suchembodiments, the DICD may be electrically connectable to the powersource upon connection to the base.

In certain embodiments, the base may include a locking mechanism that isconfigured to securely engage the DICD. In such embodiments, the lockingmechanism may be movable between a locked (first) position, in which thelocking mechanism securely engages the DICD, and an unlocked (second)position, in which the locking mechanism is disengaged from the DICDsuch that the DICD is removable from the base.

In certain embodiments, the release mechanism may include a biasingmember such that the release mechanism is biased toward the lockedposition.

In certain embodiments, the housing may further include a first externalactuator that is configured to actuate a first button on the DICD, and asecond external actuator that is configured to actuate a second buttonon the DICD.

In certain embodiments, the first external actuator may include a firstplunger that is configured for engagement with the first button on theDICD, and the second external actuator may include a second plunger thatis configured for engagement with the second button on the DICD.

In certain embodiments, the housing may further include a plurality offingers that are configured for engagement with an accessory.

In certain embodiments, the fingers may be movable between a firstposition, in which the fingers extend from the housing, and a secondposition, in which the fingers are concealed by (or within) the housing.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an underwater system isdescribed for use with a DICD in underwater environments. The underwatersystem includes a housing with first and second housing portions, and abase. The second housing portion is connectable to the first housingportion such that the housing is reconfigurable between an openconfiguration, in which the DICD is insertable into and removable fromthe housing, and a closed configuration, in which the first and secondhousing portions collectively define a waterproof interior cavity. Thebase is positioned within the waterproof interior cavity and iswirelessly connectable to the DICD to facilitate control over the DICD.

In certain embodiments, the base may include a power source (e.g., areplaceable and/or rechargeable battery).

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a housing is described fora digital image capturing device (DICD) including first and secondlenses having respective first and second fields-of-view. The housing isconfigured to receive the DICD to facilitate use in underwaterenvironments, and includes at least one optically clear component, andat least one optically unclear component (i.e., at least one componentthat is not optically clear). The housing is configured such that the atleast one optically clear component is positioned within the firstfield-of-view and/or the second field-of-view, and the at least oneoptically unclear component is positioned outside of the first andsecond fields-of-view.

In certain embodiments, the at least one optically clear component mayinclude at least one dome. For example, the optically clear componentmay include a first dome and a second dome. In such embodiments, thefirst and second domes may define diameters that are substantiallywithin the range of approximately 2″ to approximately 8″ (e.g., 4″), andmay each define centerpoints.

In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the centerpoints maydefine a first axis that extends in generally parallel relation tooptical axes defined by the first and second lenses.

In certain embodiments, the at least one optically unclear component mayinclude at least one external actuator.

In certain embodiments, the at least one external actuator may beconfigured in correspondence with at least one button on the DICD. Forexample, the at least one external actuator may include a first actuatorthat is configured to actuate a shutter button on the DICD, and a secondexternal actuator that is configured to actuate a mode button on theDICD.

In certain embodiments, the housing may be reconfigurable between anopen configuration, in which the DICD is insertable into (and removablefrom) the housing, and a closed configuration, in which the housingestablishes a watertight interior cavity.

In certain embodiments, the at least one optically unclear component mayinclude at least one locking member that is configured to maintain theclosed configuration of the housing.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an underwater system isdisclosed for use with a digital image capturing device (DICD) inunderwater environments. The underwater system includes a center bandhaving a first support band and a second support band; a first housingfixedly connected to the first support band and including an opticallyclear material; a second housing fixedly connected to the second supportband and including an optically clear material; a cradle connected tothe first support band and configured to receive the DICD; and alatching mechanism positioned between the cradle and the first supportband. The second support band is pivotally connected to the firstsupport band such that the underwater system is repositionable betweenan open position and a closed position, and the latching mechanism isrepositionable between a locked position, in which the lock latchingmechanism securely engages the DICD, and an unlocked position, in whichthe latching mechanism is disengaged from the DICD.

In certain embodiments, the latching mechanism may extend laterally fromthe cradle in the unlocked position such that the latching mechanism ispositioned between the first support band and the second support band toinhibit closure of the underwater system.

In certain embodiments, the first housing may include a first dome andthe second housing may include a second dome.

In certain embodiments, the first dome and the second dome maycollectively defining define a spherocylindrical configuration such thateach of the first dome and the second dome defines a field-of-viewgreater than 180°.

In certain embodiments, the first dome and the second dome may each beconfigured such that endpoints of the first dome and endpoints of thesecond dome are laterally offset from a geometrical midpoint of theDICD.

In certain embodiments, the underwater system may further include anactuation mechanism that is configured for engagement a button on theDICD to control operation of the DICD.

In certain embodiments, the actuation mechanism may be configured formovement between an inactive position, in which the actuation mechanismis spaced from the button on the DICD, an active position, in which theactuation mechanism engages the button on the DICD, and an intermediateposition, in which the actuation mechanism is positioned between theinactive position and the active position.

In certain embodiments, the actuation mechanism may be configured formovement from the inactive position into the intermediate position uponclosure of the underwater system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Itis emphasized that, according to common practice, the various featuresof the drawings may not be to scale, and the dimensions of the variouscomponents may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1A is a front, perspective view of a DICD including a pair of imagecapture devices oriented in generally opposite directions in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a rear, perspective view of the DICD seen in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the DICD taken through line 2-2 inFIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are block-diagram representations of various embodimentsand/or implementations of DICDs according to the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side, perspective view of one embodiment of an underwatersystem including a housing with a pair of housing portions for use withthe DICD seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of the underwater system and the DICD seen inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top, plan view of an alternate embodiment of the underwatersystem seen in FIG. 4 including offset domes.

FIG. 7 is a partial, front view of the underwater system and the DICDseen in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a partial, cross-sectional view illustrating an externalactuator of the underwater system used to actuate a corresponding buttonon the DICD.

FIG. 9 is a top, perspective view of a base for use with the underwatersystem according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the base seen in FIG. 9showing connection of the DICD to the base, and securement of the DICDto the base using one embodiment of a locking member.

FIG. 11 is a front, cross-sectional view of the underwater system andthe DICD shown with an alternate embodiment of the locking member seenin FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partial, front view showing an alternate embodiment of theDICD connected to the base of the underwater system via an adapter.

FIG. 13 is a top, perspective view of the adapter seen in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theunderwater system including an internal frame shown with partsseparated.

FIG. 15 is a partial, side, perspective view of the frame seen in FIG.14.

FIG. 16 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the frame seen in FIG. 14shown with the housing portions of the underwater system.

FIG. 17 is a partial, front view of the underwater system seen in FIG.14 shown with one embodiment of the DICD.

FIG. 18 is a partial, front view of the underwater system seen in FIG.14 shown connected to an alternate embodiment of the DICD via theadapter seen in FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 19 is a partial, cross-sectional view illustrating an externalactuator of the underwater system seen in FIG. 14 showing operation ofthe DICDs seen in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 is a side, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theunderwater system.

FIG. 21 is a side, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theunderwater system including a base, and a housing with a pair ofintegrally formed globes.

FIG. 22 is a top, perspective view of the underwater system seen in FIG.21 shown with the housing separated from the base.

FIG. 23 is a bottom, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thehousing seen in FIGS. 21 and 22 shown separated from the base.

FIG. 24 is a front, plan view of the underwater system seen in FIG. 21shown with one embodiment of the DICD upon assembly.

FIG. 25 is a front, plan view of the underwater system seen in FIG. 21shown connected to an alternate embodiment of the DICD via an adapter.

FIG. 26 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of theunderwater system.

FIG. 27 is a front, plan view illustrating an adapter for use with theunderwater system seen in FIG. 26 to facilitate use with differentDICDs.

FIG. 28 is a side, plan view of the underwater system seen in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29A is a front, perspective view of a front support band of theunderwater system seen in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29B is a rear, perspective view of the front support band seen inFIG. 29A.

FIG. 30A is a front, perspective views of a rear support band of theunderwater system seen in FIG. 26.

FIG. 30B is a rear, perspective view of the rear support band seen inFIG. 30A.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the underwater system seen in FIG.26 shown with a DICD.

FIG. 32 is a top, perspective view illustrating a cradle and a platformof the underwater system seen in FIG. 26.

FIG. 33 is a side, plan view of the underwater system seen in FIG. 26shown in an open position.

FIG. 34 is a side, plan view of the underwater system seen in FIG. 26shown in a closed position.

FIG. 35 is a partial, cross-sectional view taken through a latch on acenter band of the underwater system seen in FIG. 26.

FIG. 36 is a top, plan view of the cradle of the underwater system seenin FIG. 26.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a latching mechanism of the underwatersystem seen in FIG. 26.

FIG. 38 is an exploded, perspective view of the rear support band of theunderwater system seen in FIG. 26.

FIG. 39A is a rear, perspective view of the rear support band of theunderwater system seen in FIG. 26 illustrating the latching mechanism ina locked position.

FIG. 39B is a rear, perspective view of the rear support band of theunderwater system seen in FIG. 26 illustrating the latching mechanism inan unlocked position.

FIG. 40 is a top, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thelatching mechanism for the underwater system seen in FIG. 26 shown withparts separated.

FIG. 41 is a top, perspective view of the latching mechanism seen inFIG. 40 upon assembly.

FIG. 42 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a (first) actuationmechanism of the underwater system seen in FIG. 26 used to operate afirst button on the DICD shown prior to closure of the underwater systemand in an inactive position.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation mechanism seen inFIG. 42 upon closure of the underwater system seen in FIG. 26 and shownin an intermediate (pre-loaded) position.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation mechanism seen inFIG. 42 upon closure of the underwater system seen in FIG. 26 and shownin an active position.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of a (second) actuation mechanism ofthe underwater system seen in FIG. 26 used to operate a second button onthe DICD shown in an inactive position.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the(second) actuation mechanism seen in FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of theunderwater system.

FIG. 48 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the underwater system seenin FIG. 47 shown with a DICD.

FIG. 49 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of theunderwater system.

FIG. 50 is a rear, perspective view of a rear housing portion of theunderwater system seen in FIG. 49 shown with a DICD.

FIG. 51 is a partial, plan view of the rear housing portion of theunderwater system seen in FIG. 49.

FIGS. 52-58 and 59-65 disclose two embodiments of the underwatersystems, or camera housings, described herein; FIGS. 52 and 59 are eachupper, front, right perspective views thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an underwatersystem that is configured to house (or otherwise accommodate) a varietyof DICDs (e.g., DICDs having different configurations). The presentlydisclosed underwater systems includes a housing with a pair of opticallyclear domes, which may be configured as discrete structures, orintegrally (e.g., monolithically formed), such as via molding. In oneparticular embodiment, the housing includes discrete housing portionsthat are relatively movable to transition the housing between an openconfiguration, in which the DICD is insertable into (and removable from)the housing, and a closed configuration, in which a watertight internalcavity is established within the housing.

In one embodiment, the presently disclosed housing includes a series ofexternal actuators (e.g., buttons) that are configured in correspondencewith buttons included on the DICD (e.g., the shutter button, the modebutton, etc.) such that the external actuators are usable to controloperation of the DICD. Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisionedthat the underwater system may include a base in wireless communicationwith the DICD to allow the DICD to be controlled remotely. For example,by positioning both the DICD and the base within the watertight internalcavity, it is envisioned that wireless communication between the baseand the DICD may be supported by Bluetooth or other such wirelesscommunication protocols.

FIGS. 1A-2 illustrate an example digital image capture device (DICD)100. The DICD 100 may include a body 102 having various indicators (suchas LEDs, displays, and the like), various input mechanisms (such asbuttons, switches, and touchscreen mechanisms), and electronics (e.g.,imaging electronics, power electronics, etc.) internal to the body 102for capturing images and/or performing other functions. The DICD 100 maybe configured to capture images and video and to store captured imagesand video for subsequent display or playback.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2, the DICD 100 isconfigured to capture spherical images, and accordingly, includes afirst image capture device 104A and a second image capture device 104B.The first image capture device 104A defines a first field-of-view 106A(FIG. 2) and includes a first lens 108A that receives and directs lightonto a first image sensor 110A. Similarly, the second image capturedevice 104B defines a second field-of-view 106B (FIG. 2) and includes asecond lens 108B that receives and directs light onto a second imagesensor 110B. To facilitate the capture of spherical images, the imagecapture devices 104A, 104B (and related components) may be arranged in aback-to-back (Janus) configuration such that the lenses 108A, 108B facein generally opposite directions.

The DICD 100 may include various indicators, including LED lights 112 anLED display 114. The DICD 100 may also include buttons 116 configured toallow a user of the DICD 100 to interact with the DICD 100, to turn theDICD 100 on, and to otherwise configure the operating mode of the DICD100. In the particular embodiment seen in FIGS. 1A-2, for example, theDICD 100 includes a shutter button 116A and a mode button 116B. Itshould be appreciated, however, that, in alternate embodiments, the DICD100 may include additional buttons 116 to support and/or controladditional functionality. The DICD 100 may also include one or moremicrophones 118 configured to receive and record audio signals (e.g.,voice or other audio commands) in conjunction with recording video. Aside of the DICD 100 may include an I/O interface 120. The DICD 100 mayalso include an interactive display 122 that allows for interaction withthe DICD 100 while simultaneously displaying information on a surface ofthe DICD 100.

The body 102 of the DICD 100 is configured to encompass and protect theinternal electronics which are further described in later sections. Inthe present example, the body 102 exterior includes six surfaces (i.e.,a front face 102A, a rear face 102B (FIG. 1B), a left face 102C (FIG.1A), a right face 102D, a top face 102E, and a bottom face 102F). In theillustrated embodiment, the surfaces 102A-102F collectively impart agenerally rectangular cuboid configuration to the body 102. Otherconfigurations for the body 102, however, would not be beyond the scopeof the present disclosure. The DICD 100 may be made of a rigid materialsuch as plastic, aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. Additional features,such as the features described above, may be affixed to the exterior. Insome embodiments, the DICD 100 described herein includes features otherthan those described below. For example, instead of a single I/Ointerface 120, the DICD 100 may include additional interfaces 120 ordifferent interface features.

Although not expressly shown in FIGS. 1A-2, in some implementations, theDICD 100 may include one or more image sensors, such as a charge-coupleddevice (CCD) sensor, an active pixel sensor (APS), a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, an N-typemetal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) sensor, and/or any other image sensoror combination of image sensors. Although not illustrated, in variousembodiments, the DICD 100 may include other additional electricalcomponents (e.g., an image processor, camera SoC (system-on-chip),etc.), which may be included on one or more circuit boards within thecamera body 102.

Although not expressly shown in FIGS. 1A-2, the DICD 100 may include oneor more other information sources or sensors, such as an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU), a global positioning system (GPS) receivercomponent, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor,or any other unit, or combination of units, that may be included in animage capture apparatus.

The DICD 100 may interface with or communicate with an external device,such as an external user interface device, via a wired or wirelesscomputing communication link (not shown). The user interface device may,for example, be the personal computing device described below withrespect to FIG. 3B. Any number of computing communication links may beused. The computing communication link may be a direct computingcommunication link or an indirect computing communication link, such asa link including another device or a network, such as the Internet. Insome implementations, the computing communication link may be a Wi-Filink, an infrared link, a Bluetooth (BT) link, a cellular link, a ZigBeelink, a near field communications (NFC) link, such as an ISO/IEC 20643protocol link, an Advanced Network Technology interoperability (ANT+)link, and/or any other wireless communications link or combination oflinks. In some implementations, the computing communication link may bean HDMI link, a USB link, a digital video interface link, a display portinterface link, such as a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)digital display interface link, an Ethernet link, a Thunderbolt link,and/or other wired computing communication link.

The DICD 100 may transmit images, such as panoramic images, or portionsthereof, to the user interface device (not shown) via the computingcommunication link, and the user interface device may store, process,display, or a combination thereof the panoramic images.

The user interface device may be a computing device, such as asmartphone, a tablet computer, a phablet, a smart watch, a portablecomputer, and/or another device or combination of devices configured toreceive user input, communicate information with the DICD 100 via thecomputing communication link, or receive user input and communicateinformation with the DICD 100 via the computing communication link.

The user interface device may display, or otherwise present, content,such as images or video, acquired by the DICD 100. For example, adisplay of the user interface device may be a viewport into thethree-dimensional space represented by the panoramic images or videocaptured or created by the DICD 100.

The user interface device may communicate information, such as metadata,to the DICD 100. For example, the user interface device may sendorientation information of the user interface device with respect to adefined coordinate system to the DICD 100, such that the DICD 100 maydetermine an orientation of the user interface device relative to theDICD 100. Based on the determined orientation, the DICD 100 may identifya portion of the panoramic images or video captured by the DICD 100 forthe DICD 100 to send to the user interface device for presentation asthe viewport. In some implementations, based on the determinedorientation, the DICD 100 may determine the location of the userinterface device and/or the dimensions for viewing of a portion of thepanoramic images or video.

The user interface device may implement or execute one or moreapplications to manage or control the DICD 100. For example, the userinterface device may include an application for controlling cameraconfiguration, video acquisition, video display, or any otherconfigurable or controllable aspect of the DICD 100.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may generate andshare, such as via a cloud-based or social media service, one or moreimages, or short video clips, such as in response to user input. In someimplementations, the user interface device, such as via an application,may remotely control the DICD 100, such as in response to user input.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may displayunprocessed or minimally processed images or video captured by the DICD100 contemporaneously with capturing the images or video by the DICD100, such as for shot framing, which may be referred to herein as a livepreview, and which may be performed in response to user input. In someimplementations, the user interface device, such as via an application,may mark one or more key moments contemporaneously with capturing theimages or video by the DICD 100, such as with a tag, such as in responseto user input.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may display, orotherwise present, marks or tags associated with images or video, suchas in response to user input. For example, marks may be presented in acamera roll application for location review and/or playback of videohighlights.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may wirelesslycontrol camera software, hardware, or both. For example, the userinterface device may include a web-based graphical interface accessibleby a user for selecting a live or previously recorded video stream fromthe DICD 100 for display on the user interface device.

The user interface device may receive information indicating a usersetting, such as an image resolution setting (e.g., 3840 pixels by 2160pixels), a frame rate setting (e.g., 60 frames per second (fps)), alocation setting, and/or a context setting, which may indicate anactivity, such as mountain biking, in response to user input, and maycommunicate the settings, or related information, to the DICD 100.

With reference now to FIG. 2 in particular, the fields-of-view 106A,106B of the lenses 108A, 108B are shown above and below boundaries 124A,124B, respectively. Behind the first lens 108A, the first image sensor110A may capture a first hyper-hemispherical image plane from lightentering the first lens 108A, and behind the second lens 108B, thesecond image sensor 110B may capture a second hyper-hemispherical imageplane from light entering the second lens 108B. One or more areas, suchas blind spots 126, 128, may be outside of the fields-of-view 106A, 106Bof the lenses 108A, 108B so as to define a “dead zone” 130. In the deadzone 130, light may be obscured from the lenses 108A, 108B and thecorresponding image sensors 110A, 110B, and content in the blind spots126, 128 may be omitted from capture. In some implementations, the imagecapture devices 104A, 104B may be configured to minimize the blind spots126, 128.

The fields-of-view 106A, 106B may overlap. Stitch points 132, 134,proximal to the DICD 100, at which the fields-of-view 106A, 106B overlapmay be referred to herein as overlap points or stitch points. Contentcaptured by the respective lenses 108A, 108B, distal to the stitchpoints 132, 134, may overlap.

Images contemporaneously captured by the respective image sensors 110A,110B may be combined to form a combined image. Combining the respectiveimages may include correlating the overlapping regions captured by therespective image sensors 110A, 110B, aligning the capturedfields-of-view 106A, 106B, and stitching the images together to form acohesive combined image.

A slight change in the alignment, such as position and/or tilt, of thelenses 108A, 108B, the image sensors 110A, 110B, or both, may change therelative positions of their respective fields-of-view 106A, 106B and thelocations of the stitch points 132, 134. A change in alignment mayaffect the size of the blind spots 126, 128, which may include changingthe size of the blind spots 126, 128 unequally.

Incomplete or inaccurate information indicating the alignment of theimage capture devices 104A, 104B, such as the locations of the stitchpoints 132, 134, may decrease the accuracy, efficiency, or both ofgenerating a combined image. In some implementations, the DICD 100 maymaintain information indicating the location and orientation of thelenses 108A, 108B and the image sensors 110A, 110B such that thefields-of-view 106A, 106B, stitch points 132, 134, or both may beaccurately determined, which may improve the accuracy, efficiency, orboth of generating a combined image.

The lenses 108A, 108B define optical axes XA, XB (FIG. 1A),respectively, which may be substantially antiparallel to each other,such that the respective axes may be within a tolerance such as 1%, 3%,5%, 10%, and/or other tolerances. In some implementations, the imagesensors 110A, 110B may be substantially perpendicular to the opticalaxes XA, XB through their respective lenses 108A, 108B, such that theimage sensors may be perpendicular to the respective optical axes XA, XBto within a tolerance such as 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and/or other tolerances.

The lenses 108A, 108B may be laterally offset from each other, may beoff-center from a central axis of the DICD 100, or may be laterallyoffset and off-center from the central axis. As compared to DICDs withback-to-back lenses, such as lenses aligned along the same axis, DICDsincluding laterally offset lenses may include substantially reducedthickness relative to the lengths of the lens barrels securing thelenses. For example, the overall thickness of the DICD 100 may be closeto the length of a single lens barrel as opposed to twice the length ofa single lens barrel as in a back-to-back configuration. Reducing thelateral distance between the lenses 108A, 108B may improve the overlapin the fields-of-view 106A, 106B.

Images or frames captured by the image capture devices 104A, 104B may becombined, merged, or stitched together to produce a combined image, suchas a spherical or panoramic image, which may be an equirectangularplanar image. In some implementations, generating a combined image mayinclude three-dimensional, or spatiotemporal, noise reduction (3DNR). Insome implementations, pixels along the stitch boundary may be matchedaccurately to minimize boundary discontinuities.′

FIGS. 3A and 3B are block diagrams of examples of image capture systems.Referring first to FIG. 3A, an image capture system 300 is shown. Theimage capture system 300 includes an image capture device 310 (e.g., acamera or a drone), which may, for example, be the DICD 100 shown inFIGS. 1A-2.

The image capture device 310 includes a processing apparatus 312 that isconfigured to receive a first image from a first image sensor 314 andreceive a second image from a second image sensor 316. The processingapparatus 312 may be configured to perform image signal processing(e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding) to generateoutput images based on image data from the image sensors 314, 316. Theimage capture device 310 includes a communications interface 318 fortransferring images to other devices. The image capture device 310includes a user interface 320 to allow a user to control image capturefunctions and/or view images. The image capture device 310 includes abattery 322 for powering the image capture device 310. The components ofthe image capture device 310 may communicate with each other via the bus324.

The processing apparatus 312 may include one or more processors havingsingle or multiple processing cores. The processing apparatus 312 mayinclude memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM) device, flashmemory, or another suitable type of storage device, such as anon-transitory computer-readable memory. The memory of the processingapparatus 312 may include executable instructions and data that can beaccessed by one or more processors of the processing apparatus 312. Forexample, the processing apparatus 312 may include one or more dynamicrandom-access memory (DRAM) modules, such as double data ratesynchronous dynamic random-access memory (DDR SDRAM). In someimplementations, the processing apparatus 312 may include a digitalsignal processor (DSP). In some implementations, the processingapparatus 312 may include an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC). For example, the processing apparatus 312 may include a customimage signal processor.

The image sensors 314, 316 may be configured to detect light of acertain spectrum (e.g., the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum)and convey information constituting an image as electrical signals(e.g., analog or digital signals). For example, the image sensors 314,316 may include CCDs or active pixel sensors in a CMOS. The imagesensors 314, 316 may detect light incident through a respective lens(e.g., a fisheye lens). In some implementations, the image sensors 314,316 include digital-to-analog converters. In some implementations, theimage sensors 314, 316 are held in a fixed orientation with respectivefields-of-view that overlap.

The communications interface 318 may enable communications with apersonal computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptopcomputer, or a desktop computer). For example, the communicationsinterface 318 may be used to receive commands controlling image captureand processing in the image capture device 310. For example, thecommunications interface 318 may be used to transfer image data to apersonal computing device. For example, the communications interface 318may include a wired interface, such as a high-definition multimediainterface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, or a FireWireinterface. For example, the communications interface 318 may include awireless interface, such as a Bluetooth interface, a ZigBee interface,and/or a Wi-Fi interface.

The user interface 320 may include an LCD display for presenting imagesand/or messages to a user. For example, the user interface 320 mayinclude a button or switch enabling a person to manually turn the imagecapture device 310 on and off. For example, the user interface 320 mayinclude a shutter button for snapping pictures.

The battery 322 may power the image capture device 310 and/or itsperipherals. For example, the battery 322 may be charged wirelessly orthrough a micro-USB interface.

Referring next to FIG. 3B, another image capture system 330 is shown.The image capture system 330 includes an image capture device 340 and apersonal computing device 360 that communicate via a communications link350. The image capture device 340 may, for example, be the DICD 100shown in FIGS. 1A-2. The personal computing device 360 may, for example,be the user interface device described above.

The image capture device 340 includes a first image sensor 342 and asecond image sensor 344 that are configured to capture respectiveimages. The image capture device 340 includes a communications interface346 that is configured to transfer images via the communications link350 to the personal computing device 360.

The personal computing device 360 includes a processing apparatus 362that is configured to receive, using the communications interface 366, afirst image from the first image sensor 342 and a second image from thesecond image sensor 344. The processing apparatus 362 may be configuredto perform image signal processing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping,stitching, and/or encoding) to generate output images based on imagedata from the image sensors 342, 344.

The image sensors 342, 344 are configured to detect light of a certainspectrum (e.g., the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum) andconvey information constituting an image as electrical signals (e.g.,analog or digital signals). For example, the image sensors 342, 344 mayinclude CCDs or active pixel sensors in a CMOS. The image sensors 342,344 may detect light incident through a respective lens (e.g., a fisheyelens). In some implementations, the image sensors 342, 344 includedigital-to-analog converters. In some implementations, the image sensors342, 344 are held in a fixed relative orientation with respectivefields-of-view that overlap. Image signals from the image sensors 342,344 may be passed to other components of the image capture device 340via a bus 348.

The communications link 350 may be a wired communications link or awireless communications link. The communications interface 346 and thecommunications interface 366 may enable communications over thecommunications link 350. For example, the communications interface 346and the communications interface 366 may include an HDMI port or otherinterface, a USB port or other interface, a FireWire interface, aBluetooth interface, a ZigBee interface, and/or a Wi-Fi interface. Forexample, the communications interface 346 and the communicationsinterface 366 may be used to transfer image data from the image capturedevice 340 to the personal computing device 360 for image signalprocessing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding)to generate output images based on image data from the image sensors342, 344.

The processing apparatus 362 may include one or more processors havingsingle or multiple processing cores. The processing apparatus 362 mayinclude memory, such as RAM, flash memory, or another suitable type ofstorage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory. Thememory of the processing apparatus 362 may include executableinstructions and data that can be accessed by one or more processors ofthe processing apparatus 362. For example, the processing apparatus 362may include one or more DRAM modules, such as DDR SDRAM.

In some implementations, the processing apparatus 362 may include a DSP.In some implementations, the processing apparatus 362 may include anintegrated circuit, for example, an ASIC. For example, the processingapparatus 362 may include a custom image signal processor. Theprocessing apparatus 362 may exchange data (e.g., image data) with othercomponents of the personal computing device 360 via a bus 368.

The personal computing device 360 may include a user interface 364. Forexample, the user interface 364 may include a touchscreen display forpresenting images and/or messages to a user and receiving commands froma user. For example, the user interface 364 may include a button orswitch enabling a person to manually turn the personal computing device360 on and off In some implementations, commands (e.g., start recordingvideo, stop recording video, or snap photograph) received via the userinterface 364 may be passed on to the image capture device 340 via thecommunications link 350.

With reference now to FIGS. 4-11, one embodiment of an underwater systemfor the DICD 100, which is identified by the reference character 400,will be discussed. The underwater system 400 is configured for use inunderwater environments, and includes a housing 402 defining aninternal, watertight cavity 404 (FIG. 5) that is configured to receivethe DICD 100. The housing may include (e.g., may be formed partially orentirely from) any suitable optically clear material (i.e., any materialthat does not interfere with, or negatively impact, the capture orquality of digital images), and may be formed through any suitablemanufacturing process (e.g., molding). For example, in one particularembodiment, it is envisioned that the housing 402 may include (e.g., maybe formed partially or entirely from) polycarbonate.

The housing 402 includes discrete (first and second) housing portions406A, 406B that are connected via an engagement structure 408, whichallows for reconfiguration of the housing 402 between open and closedconfigurations (e.g., for insertion, removal, and use of the DICD 100).In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the engagement structure 408includes a hinge 410 that connects the housing portions 406A, 406B in aclamshell-style arrangement and allows for pivotable relative movementbetween the housing portions 406A, 406B. To establish the watertightcavity 404, and guard against the unwanted intrusion of moisture in theclosed configuration, it is envisioned that the housing portions 406A,406B may include corresponding structures and/or surfaces that areconfigured for engagement so as to define a sealed interface 412 (FIG.5). For example, the housing portions 406A, 406B may includecorresponding flanges 414A, 414B defining planar surfaces 416A, 416B,respectively, as seen in FIG. 4. Additionally, or alternatively, it isenvisioned that the housing 402 may include a sealing member (e.g., arubberized gasket, O-ring, etc.) at the interface 412.

To maintain the closed configuration, it is envisioned that the housing402 may include one or more locking members 418. In the illustratedembodiment, for example, the housing 402 may include one or more sliders420 that are slidably connected to the housing portion 406A (and/or thehousing portion 406B) for movement between a locked position, in whichthe slider(s) 420 are configured and positioned to maintain the closedconfiguration, and an unlocked position, in which the slider(s) 420 areconfigured and positioned to allow for movement of the housing 402 intothe open configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisionedthat the locking member(s) 418 may include a latch, clamp (e.g., anover-center clamp), or other such mechanism, structure, or member tosecure the housing portions 406A, 406B in relation to one another. It isfurther envisioned that the locking member(s) 418 may facilitatereconfiguration of the housing 402 between the open and closedconfigurations. For example, in the context of the slider(s) 420 (and/orthe clamp), the slider(s) 420 (and/or the clamp) may be configured toapproximate the housing portions 406A, 406B during movement from theunlocked position to the locked position, and to cause (or otherwisefacilitate) separation of the housing portions 406A, 406B duringmovement from the locked position to the unlocked position.

To offset the buoyancy resulting from the capture of air within thewatertight cavity 404, it is envisioned that the underwater system 400(e.g., the housing 402) may be weighted, or, alternatively, that theunderwater system 400 (e.g., the housing 402) may be configured tosupport a weighted accessory. Additionally, or alternatively, it isenvisioned that the underwater system 400 (e.g., the housing 402) mayinclude a tether (e.g., a wrist strap) to connect the housing 402 andthe DICD 100 to the user in the underwater environment.

The housing portion 406A includes a pedestal 422A supporting a dome424A, and the housing portion 406B includes a pedestal 422B supporting adome 424B. In certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisionedthat the housing portions 406A, 406B may be identical in configuration(e.g., to reduce costs and/or the complexity associated with manufactureand assembly of the housing 402).

The domes 424A, 424B define diameters that lie substantially within therange of approximately 2″ to approximately 8″ (e.g., 4″). During use ofthe DICD 100 in underwater environments, however, an increase in thedistance between the lenses 108A, 108B (FIGS. 1A, 1B) of the DICD 100and the water results in a corresponding increase in the quality of thedigital data collected by reducing distortion that would otherwise becaused by the water, thus increasing the quality of the images generatedby the DICD 100 (e.g., by stitching together the individual imagescaptured by the image capture devices 104A, 104B). As such, largerdiameter domes 424A, 424B would not be beyond the scope of thedisclosure. The presently disclosed housing 402 thus functions not onlyto protect the DICD 100, but to increase the quality of the imagescaptured and generated by the DICD 100 by reducing distortion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the domes 424A, 424B are generallyhemispherical in configuration. In alternate embodiments of thedisclosure, however, it is envisioned that the configuration of thedomes 424A, 424B may be varied. For example, the domes 424A, 424B may beconfigured as quasi-hemispheres, raised hemispheres includinghemispherical and cylindrical portions, shortened hemispheres includinga less than 180° portion of a circular arc, or parabolic or other suchconvex (lens shaped) members.

Although illustrated as being centrically aligned in the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 (i.e., such that an axis XC extendingbetween respective centerpoints CA, CB of the domes 424A, 424B isoriented in generally parallel relation to the optical axes XA, XB ofthe lenses 108A, 108B, respectively, in alternate embodiments of thedisclosure, the domes 424A, 424B may be eccentrically positioned (i.e.,the domes 424A, 424B may be offset such that the axis XC extendstransversely in relation to the optical axes XA, XB), as seen in FIG. 6.

The housing 402 is configured such that, upon insertion of the DICD 100,the lenses 108A, 108B of the DICD 100 are generally aligned withmidlines (e.g., equators) of the domes 424A, 424B, respectively. Thelenses 108A, 108B, however, are laterally offset such that the opticalaxes XA, XB are misaligned, whereby the optical axes XA, XB are spaceddistances DA, DB, respectively, from the axis XC. In various embodimentsof the disclosure, it is envisioned that the distances DA, DB may beeither equivalent or dissimilar.

To improve operability and/or extend the usable life of the housing 402,it is envisioned that the housing 402 may include one or more internaland/or external coatings (e.g., on inner and/or outer surfaces of thehousing portions 406A, 406B). For example, the housing 402 may includean anti-fog coating and/or an anti-reflective coating to mitigate glare(e.g., from the various indicators, LEDs, or displays included on theDICD 100). It is also envisioned that the housing 402 may include ananti-scratch coating and/or a hydrophobic coating.

With reference now to FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the housing 402 furtherincludes one or more manually-accessible external buttons (actuators)426 that are configured in correspondence (e.g., in dimensions andlocation) with the button(s) 116 included on the DICD 100 such thatactuation of the external button(s) 426 causes corresponding actuationof the button(s) 116. In the particular embodiment seen in FIGS. 4, 7,and 8, for example, the housing 402 includes a first external button426A that is configured to actuate the shutter button 116A, and a secondexternal button 426B that is configured to actuate the mode button 116B.It should be appreciated, however, that, in alternate embodiments, thehousing 402 may include additional external buttons 426 depending on thenumber of buttons 116 included on the DICD 100.

The external button(s) 426 are located within the dead zone 130 (FIGS.2, 5) (i.e., outside of the respective fields-of-view 106A, 106B of thelenses 108A, 108B) so as not to interfere with image capture. It isenvisioned that the external button(s) 426 may each be included on thesame housing portion (e.g., the housing portion 406A or the housingportion 406B), or, alternatively, that the housing portion 406A mayinclude the external button 426A and that the housing portion 406B mayinclude the external button 426B.

It is envisioned that the external button(s) 426 may be in directcontact with the buttons 116 on the DICD 100 such that the user candepress (or otherwise actuate) the buttons 116 on the DICD 100 viadepression or operation of the external button(s) 426. Alternatively, itis envisioned that the external button(s) 426 may facilitatedepression/operation of the buttons 116 on the DICD via an interveningstructure. For example, the external button(s) 426 may include plungers428 (or other such structures) that are movable to depress (or otherwiseactuate) the button(s) 116. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 7,the first external button 426A includes a first plunger 428A extendingalong an axis XPA, and the second external button 426B includes a secondplunger 428B extending along an axis XPB. Depending upon the particularlocation of the buttons 116, it is envisioned that the axes XPA, XPB mayextend in transverse (e.g., intersecting) relation, as seen in FIG. 7.

In various embodiments, it is envisioned that the external button(s) 426(e.g., the plunger(s) 428) may be in direct alignment with the button(s)116 on the DICD 100, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, or, alternatively,that the external button(s) 426 (e.g., the plunger(s) 428) may be out ofdirect alignment with the button(s) 116 on the DICD 100. As shown inFIG. 8, for example, the plunger(s) 428 may be operatively connected toan actuation mechanism 430 that is movable via a rocking motion toactuate the buttons(s) 116 upon the application of force to the externalbutton(s) 426.

As seen in FIG. 4, in certain embodiments, the housing 402 may alsoinclude a mount 432 (e.g., to facilitate use with and/or connection toan accessory, such as a stand or a tripod). The mount 432 may be movablebetween a retracted (first) position, in which the mount 432 isconcealed within or by, or is flush with, an outermost external surfaceof the housing 402, and an extended (second) position, in which themount 432 is deployed and extends from the housing 402 (e.g., tofacilitate use with the aforementioned accessory). Although the mount432 is illustrated as including a series of foldable fingers 434 (orother such structure(s)) in the particular embodiment seen in FIG. 4, itshould be appreciated that the configuration of the mount 432 may bevaried in alternate embodiments of the disclosure.

The system 400 is configured, and the various components thereof areoriented, such that optically clear components, such as the domes 424A,424B (FIGS. 4, 5), are located within the respective fields-of-view106A, 106B (FIG. 2) of the lenses 108A, 108B of the DICD 100, whereasoptically unclear components (i.e., components that are not opticallyclear or would otherwise interfere with image capture, for example,semi-transparent components, opaque components, etc.), such as thelocking member(s) 418 (FIG. 4), the external button(s) 426, the mount432, etc., are outside of the fields-of-view 106A, 106B.

With reference now to FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, the underwater system 400 mayfurther include a base 436 that is configured for removable connectionto the DICD 100 when the DICD 100 is positioned within the housing 402.It is envisioned that the base 436 may include electronics and/or othercircuitry to support functionality of the DICD 100. For example, thebase 436 may support wireless connectivity of the DICD 100 to thehousing 402, as discussed in further detail below, and/or may include apower source (e.g., one or more batteries).

To facilitate connection and disconnection of the DICD 100 and the base436, the DICD 100 and the base 436 may include corresponding engagementstructures 136, 438, respectively. For example, in the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, the DICD 100 includes a series ofprojections 138 (e.g., fingers) that are configured for receipt withincorresponding openings 440 formed in the base 436. It is envisioned thatthe projections 138 may be either movably or fixedly connected to theDICD 100 and that the projections 138 may be configured to facilitateuse with and/or connection to an accessory, such as a stand or a tripod.For example, the projections 138 may be pivotably connected to thebottom face 102F of the body 102 such that the projections 138 arerepositionable between extended and retracted positions. It isenvisioned that the openings 440 may be configured to receive theprojections 138 in an interference (e.g., snap-fit) arrangement.Additionally, or alternatively, as seen in FIG. 10, it is envisionedthat the base 436 may include a locking member 442 that is configuredfor engagement with the projections 138. More specifically, in theillustrated embodiment, the locking member 442 includes a key 444 thatis configured for insertion into corresponding apertures 140 formed inthe projections 138.

To connect the DICD 100 to the base 436, the locking member 442 is movedfrom a locked (first) position, in which the locking member 442 ispositioned within the openings 440 such that the locking member 442 isinsertable into the apertures 140, to an unlocked (second) position, inwhich the locking member 442 is withdrawn from the openings 440. Oncethe locking member 442 is in the unlocked position, the DICD 100 can beconnected to the base 436 via insertion of the projections 138 into theopenings 440, and the locking member 442 can be moved into the lockedposition such that the locking member 442 extends through the apertures140 to thereby securely engage the DICD 100 and the base 436. To removethe DICD 100 from the base 436, the locking member 442 is moved into theunlocked position, during which move, the locking member (e.g., the key444) is withdrawn from the apertures 140 and the openings 440 todisengage the locking member 442 from the DICD. The DICD 100 can then beseparated from the base 436 by removing the projections 138 from theopenings 440.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, it is envisioned that the locking member 442may include a spring 446 (or other such biasing member) to bias thelocking member 442 towards the locked position, and a tactile member 448(e.g., a handle or ring) to facilitate manual manipulation of thelocking member 442 between the locked and unlocked positions.

FIG. 11 illustrates a variation on the locking member 442 (identified bythe reference character 542), which includes a pair of pins 550 that areconfigured for insertion into the apertures 140 formed in theprojections 138. In such embodiments, to connect the DICD 100 to thebase 436, the pins 550 are moved from a locked (first) position, inwhich the pins 550 are positioned within the openings 440 in the base436 such that the pins 550 are insertable into the apertures 140, to anunlocked (second) position, in which the pins 550 are withdrawn from theopenings 440. To guard against inadvertent disconnection of the DICD 100from the base 436, it may be required to move the pins 550 in concertfrom the locked position to the unlocked position. Once the lockingmember 542 is in the unlocked position, the DICD 100 can be connected tothe base 436 insertion of the projections 138 into the openings 440, andthe locking member 542 can be moved into the locked position such thatthe pins 550 extend through the apertures 140 to thereby fixedly securethe DICD 100 to the base 436. As illustrated in FIG. 11, it isenvisioned that the locking member 542 may include springs 546 (or othersuch biasing members) to bias the pins 550 towards the locked position.To remove the DICD 100 from the base 436, the locking member 542 ismoved into the unlocked position, during which move, the pins 550 arewithdrawn from the apertures 140 and the openings 440 to disengage thelocking member 542 from the DICD. The DICD 100 can then be separatedfrom the base 436 by removing the projections 138 from the openings 440.

As mentioned above, it is envisioned that the base 436 may includeelectronics (or other such circuitry) that supports wirelessconnectivity between the DICD 100 and the base 436 (e.g., Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, 4G data, and the like). In such embodiments, the sealed,watertight cavity 404 defined within the housing 402 allows for wirelesscommunication between the base 436 and the DICD 100 such that the base436 may be utilized to control operation of the DICD 100 (e.g., shutterand mode operation), thereby obviating the need for the external buttons426 discussed above.

In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the DICD 100 and/or thebase 436 may recognize when the DICD 100 is connected to the base 436,and, thus, when the DICD 100 is positioned within the housing 402 (e.g.,via the incorporation of one or more sensors or other such detectionmeans). In such embodiments, operability of the DICD 100 may beautomatically altered. For example, external lights or indicators may bedimmed or turned off to reduce or eliminate glare and/or reflections offthe domes 424A, 424B. To signal to a user that operation of the DICD 100has been altered, it is envisioned that the housing 402 may include asuitable indicator (e.g., an LED light).

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, to support use with a variety of DICDs(e.g., a DICD 100′ having a configuration different from that of theaforementioned DICD 100), it is envisioned that the base 436 may beconnectable to an adapter 600. For example, the adapter 600 may beconfigured to ensure that the DICD 100′ is properly positioned withinthe housing 402 (FIG. 4) so as not to distort (or otherwise compromise)the quality of the images and/or data captured by the DICD 100′ (e.g.,the adapter 600 may be configured to support the DICD 100′ such that theDICD 100′ is properly aligned with the midlines (e.g., equators) of thedomes 424A, 424B in the manner discussed above).

With reference now to FIGS. 14-25, alternate configurations for theunderwater system 400 and the housing 402 will be discussed. The systemsand housings discussed below are similar to the aforedescribedunderwater system 400 and housing 402, and accordingly, will bediscussed only with respect to differences therefrom.

With reference to FIGS. 14-16, a system 700 is illustrated that includesa housing 702 including discrete first and second housing portions 706A,706B, respectively, an internal frame 752, and a base 736. The frame 752is positioned between, and secured to, the housing portions 706A, 706B.It is envisioned that the frame 752 and the housing portions 706A, 706Bmay be secured together using any method suitable for the intendedpurpose of creating a watertight connection therebetween, including, forexample, the use of an epoxy or ultrasonic welding.

The frame 752 includes a brace 754 that supports external buttons 726,and a foot section 756. In the particular embodiment seen in FIG. 14,the brace 754 supports a first external button 726A that is configuredin correspondence with the shutter button 116A on the DICD 100, and asecond external button 726B that is configured in correspondence withthe mode button 116B on the DICD 100 such that the buttons 116A, 116Bcan be actuated via the external buttons 726A, 726B, respectively. Theframe 752 is configured such that the frame 752 is positioned within thedead zone 130 (FIG. 2) (i.e., outside of the fields-of-view 106A, 106Bof the lenses 108A, 108B) upon assembly of the system 700 and the DICD100 so as not to interfere with image capture. As seen in FIG. 14, thehousing portions 706A, 706B include cutouts 758 (e.g., recesses) thatare configured to accommodate the external buttons 726 such that theexternal buttons 726 are manually accessible by the user.

As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, in certain embodiments, it is envisionedthat the frame 752 may include a generally I-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration that includes extensions 760 defining channels 762 thatare configured to receive the housing portions 706A, 706B. Morespecifically, the frame 752 may define a first channel 762A that isconfigured to receive the housing portion 706A, and a second channel762B that is configured to receive the housing portion 706B. Uponassembly of the frame 752 and the housing portions 706A, 706B, theextensions 760 are positionable on opposing (internal and external)surfaces of the housing portions 706A, 706B, as seen in FIG. 16.

The foot section 756 of the frame 752 defines an opening 764 (FIG. 14)that is configured to allow the DICD 100 to pass therethrough duringloading of the DICD 100 into the system 700. The foot section 756intersects the brace 754 and provides one or more sealing surfaces tomitigate the intrusion of unwanted moisture into the housing 402 duringuse of the system 700 in underwater environments. To enhance sealingbetween the housing 702, the frame 752, and/or the base 736, it isenvisioned that the system 700 may include one or more sealing members(e.g., rubberized gaskets, O-rings, etc.).

To assemble the system 700, it is envisioned that the frame 752 may beconnected to the base 736 in any suitable manner. For example, the frame752 may engage the base 736 in an interference (e.g., snap-fit)arrangement. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the base 736 may bepivotably connected to the frame 752 (e.g., via a hinge or other suchstructure), and that the base 736 may be secured in relation to theframe 752 and the housing 702 through the use of a clamp, latch, orother such structure.

It is envisioned that the system 700 may be used in connection with avariety of DICDs 100 having different configurations. To facilitate suchuse, the system 700 may further include the aforementioned adapter 600(FIGS. 12, 13, 18) to properly position the DICDs 100 within the housing702 in the manner discussed above. Additionally, it is envisioned thatone of the external buttons 726 (e.g., the external button 726B) mayinclude a universal design so as to accommodate for different locationsof the buttons 116 on the DICDs 100. For example, as seen in FIGS.17-19, the DICD 100 may include a button 116B positioned in one location(e.g., at a first height) within the housing 702 (FIG. 17), whereas theaforementioned DICD 100′ may include a button 116B′ positioned in analternate location (e.g., at a second, different height) within thehousing 702. To facilitate use with the DICDs 100, 100′, the externalbutton 726B may include the aforedescribed actuation mechanism 430 suchthat the plunger 428B is positioned to actuate both the button 116B onthe DICD 100 and the button 116B′ on the DICD 100′. More specifically,as seen in FIG. 19, the actuation mechanism 430 may include a plate 450with respective first and second toggles 452, 454 that is pivotablyconnected to the plunger 428B such that the plate 450 can be displaced(e.g., rocked) to cause contact between the toggle 452 and the button116B on the DICD 100 and between the toggle 454 and the button 116B′ onthe DICD 100′ such that the external button 726B may be used inconnection with either of the DICDs 100, 100′.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the frame 752, which isdevoid of the aforedescribed foot section 756. In such embodiments, itis envisioned that the brace 754 and/or the housing 702 may be directlyconnected to the base 736.

With reference now to FIGS. 21-25, another embodiment of the system,which is identified by the reference character 800, will be discussed.The system 800 includes a housing 802 with a pair of domes 824A, 824Bthat are integrally (e.g., monolithically) formed, such as via molding,to define a generally globe-shaped configuration, as well as a base 836.The housing 802 is connected to the base 836 so as to create awatertight cavity 804 therebetween. For example, in various embodiments,it is envisioned that the housing 802 may be inserted into the base 836so as to form a seal therebetween, that the base 836 may be insertedinto the housing 802 so as to form a seal therebetween, or that thehousing 802 and the base 836 may be configured for rotational engagementvia corresponding structures (such as threads) to allow the base 836 tobe rotatably secured to (e.g., screwed onto) the housing 802.

With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, to facilitate the formation of awatertight seal between the housing 802 and the base 836, it isenvisioned that the housing 802 and/or the base 836 may include one ormore sealing members (e.g., gaskets or the like). For example, the base836 may include an integral rib 866 that engages an inner surface of thehousing 802 in a watertight manner. Following connection of the housing802 to the base 836, it is envisioned that the engagement between thebase 836 and the housing 802 may be further secured through the use of aclamp, latch, or other such mechanism or structure.

To assemble the DICD 100 and the system 800, it is envisioned that theDICD 100 may be connected to the base 836 (in the manner describedabove), and that the housing 802 may be lowered onto the base 836, asseen in FIG. 22. It is also envisioned that the housing 802 may definean internal compartment 868 that is configured to receive the DICD 100,as seen in FIG. 23, and that the base 836 can be connected to the DICD100 after the DICD 100 is lowered into the housing 802 (in an invertedorientation).

As discussed above in connection with preceding embodiments, the system800 may further include one or more of the aforedescribed adapters 600(FIGS. 12, 13, 18) to support use with a variety of DICDs. For example,FIGS. 21-24 illustrate use of the system 800 and the DICD 100, which isconfigured for use with the system 800 without an adapter 600. FIG. 25,however, illustrates the aforementioned DICD 100′, which differs inconfiguration from the DICD 100. To facilitate use of the system 800with the DICD 100′, the adapter 600 is positioned between the DICD 100′and the base 836 such that the DICD 100′ is properly positioned withinthe housing 802 so as not to distort (or otherwise compromise) thequality of the images and/or data captured by the DICD 100′ (e.g., suchthat the DICD 100′ is properly aligned with the midlines (e.g.,equators) of the domes 824A, 824B in the manner discussed above).

With reference now to FIG. 26, another embodiment of an underwatersystem for the DICD 100 will be discussed, which is identified by thereference character 900. FIG. 26 provides an exploded, perspective viewof the underwater system 900, which encloses and protects a DICD (e.g.,the DICD 100) during image/video capture in underwater environments. Theunderwater system 900 includes a housing 902 with respective front(first) and rear (second) housing portions 904, 906; a center band 908that supports the housing portions 904, 906; a cradle 910; and alatching mechanism 912. Throughout the discussion that follows,reference will be made to the DICD 100. It should be appreciated,however, that the underwater system 900 may be utilized and adapted foruse with any suitable DICD. For example, FIG. 27 provides a front, planview illustrating that the underwater system 900 may include (or may beused with) an adapter 914 that is configured for reception by (orconnection to) the cradle 910 to allow for use of the underwater system900 with a variety of DICDs 100 having different configurations,profiles, etc.

With reference again to FIG. 26, the housing portions 904, 906collectively create a pressure vessel for the DICD 100 during underwaterimage/video capture and collectively define a watertight internal cavity916 that receives the DICD 100. The housing portions 904, 906 mayinclude (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) any materialsuitable for this intended purpose such as, for example, one or moreoptically clear plastic materials and may be formed through any suitablemanufacturing process (e.g., molding), as discussed above. For example,in one particular embodiment, it is envisioned that the housing portions904, 906 may include (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from)polycarbonate. As described in further detail below, the housingportions 904, 906 are configured to allow light to enter the underwatersystem 900 in a manner that facilitates proper image/video capture so asto inhibit (if not entirely prevent) underwater distortion during use ofthe DICD 100.

In certain embodiments, such as that shown throughout the figures, thehousing portions 904, 906 may be identical in configuration. Morespecifically, the housing portions 904, 906 respectively include domes918, 920 and generally planar extensions 922, 924 that extend from thedomes 918, 920 so as to conceal and protect the cradle 910, the latchingmechanism 912, etc. To reduce (if not entirely prevent) the entry ofwater and potential leakage paths during underwater use, the housingportions 904, 906 may be unitarily (e.g., monolithically formed) suchthat the domes 918, 920 are integrally connected to the respectiveplanar extensions 922, 924.

As seen in FIG. 28, which provides a side, plan view of the underwatersystem 900 and the DICD 100, the domes 918, 920 define respectivefields-of-view 926, 928 each of which spans at least 180° to allow theimages/video captured by the DICD 100 (e.g., by the lenses 108A, 108B)to be stitched together. In underwater environments, however, lightentering the underwater system 900 is refracted as it transitions fromthe water to the domes 918, 920 to the air retained within the internalcavity 916 defined by the domes 918, 920, which effectively reduces thefields-of-view 926, 928. To compensate for such refraction, it isenvisioned that the respective fields-of-view 926, 928 defined by thedomes 918, 920 may be extended beyond 180° to increases the overlap tomore than 360°. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the dome 918includes opposite ends 930 i, 930 ii that are laterally separated fromcorresponding opposite ends 932 i, 932 ii of the dome 920 by the centerband 908 such that the ends 930 i, 930 ii, 932 i, 932 ii of the domes918, 920 are laterally offset from (i.e., positioned outwardly of) ageometrical midpoint M of the DICD 100. In the particular embodimentshown throughout the figures, for example, the underwater system 900 isconfigured such that the ends 930 i, 930 ii of the dome 918 arelaterally separated from the ends 932 i, 932 ii of the dome 920 byapproximately 24 mm. The lateral separation created by the center band908 allows for less offset between the ends 930 i, 930 ii of the dome918 and the lens 108A and between the ends 932 i, 932 ii of the dome 920and the lens 108B and attributes a generally spherocylindrical profile(e.g., an “egg” or “pill” shaped configuration) to the portion of thehousing 902 including the domes 918, 920 and the section of the centerband 908 therebetween. This geometry individually optimizes the opticsof the domes 918, 920 relative to the lenses 108A, 108B, respectively,to thereby reduce bending in any incoming light, which allows therespective fields-of-view 926, 928 defined by the domes 918, 920 to spanmore than 180°. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the geometryof the domes 918, 920 allows the respective fields-of-view 926, 928 tospan approximately 188°. It should be appreciated, however, that bothlarger and smaller fields-of-view 926, 928 are contemplated herein whichmay be realized by varying the particular geometries of the domes 918,920 and the center band 908 and/or the specific mounting locations ofthe dome domes 918, 920 to the center band 908.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 29A-30B, the center band 908 includesrespective front (first) and rear (second) support bands 934, 936. FIGS.29A and 29B provide front and rear perspective views of the support band934, respectively, and FIGS. 30A and 30B provide front and rearperspective views of the support band 936, respectively. The supportbands 934, 936 provide mounting locations for the domes 918, 920 and mayinclude (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) any materialsuitable for this intended purpose, such as, for example, one or moreplastic materials. The support bands 934, 936 are pivotally connectedvia a hinge pin 938 (FIG. 26), whereby the underwater system 900 isrepositionable between open and closed positions, as described infurther detail below.

The front support band 934 includes an upper, arcuate section 940 thatis configured in correspondence with the 918, 920 of the housingportions 904, 906 and a lower, planar section 942 that extends from theupper section 940 and is configured in correspondence with theextensions 922, 924 of the housing portions 904, 906, respectively. Theupper section 940 includes a series of mounts 944 and a series ofreceptacles 946, and the lower section 942 includes a mounting member948. In certain embodiments, such as that illustrated throughout thefigures, it is envisioned that the front support band 934 may beunitarily (e.g., monolithically) formed, whereby the mounts 944 and thereceptacles 946 may be integrally formed with the upper section 940 andthe mounting member 948 may be integrally formed with the lower section942.

The mounts 944 are configured to support the connection of one or morelatches 950 to allow for movement of the latches 950 (FIG. 26) betweenopen (unlocked) and closed (locked) positions and, thus, repositioningof the underwater system 900 between the open and closed positions. Inthe illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the mounts 944 isconfigured to receive a wireform 952 that pivotally connects the latches950 to the mounts 944. As seen in FIG. 31, which provides a horizontal,cross-sectional view of the underwater system 900 and the DICD 100, soas not to interfere with image/video capture, the mounts 944 and thelatches 950 may be oriented within the blind spots 126, 128, outside ofthe fields-of-view 106A, 106B of the lenses 108A, 108B, within the “deadzone” 130. Although shown as including three mounts 944 and threelatches 950 in the illustrated embodiment (e.g., a top latch 950 t and apair of side latches 950 si, 950 sii), it should be appreciated that theparticular number and/or orientation of the mounts 944 and the latches950 may be varied without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. As such, embodiments including both greater and fewernumbers of mounts 944 and latches 950 are contemplated herein.

The receptacles 946 included on the front support band 934 areconfigured to receive (or otherwise accommodate) one or more actuationmechanisms 954 (FIG. 26), which facilitate the operation of variousfeatures on the DICD 100. For example, in the particular embodimentillustrated throughout the figures, the front support band 934 includesa first receptacle 946 i that is configured to receive (or otherwiseaccommodate) a first actuation mechanism 954 i that is configured tofacilitate operation of the shutter button 116A (FIG. 1A) on the DICD100 and a second receptacle 946 ii that is configured to receive (orotherwise accommodate) a second actuation mechanism 954 ii that isconfigured to facilitate operation of the mode button 116B (FIG. 1A) onthe DICD 100, as described in further detail below.

The mounting member 948 (FIGS. 29A, 29B) includes a plurality of fingers956 and is configured to facilitate use of the underwater system 900with (and/or connection to) an accessory, such as a stand or a tripod.Additionally, the mounting member 948 is configured for engagement(contact) with the rear support band 936 during movement of theunderwater system 900 from the closed position to the open position todefine a range of (pivotable) movement for the underwater system 900. Inthe illustrated embodiment, for example, the mounting member 948 isconfigured to restrict the range of movement of the underwater system900 to approximately 60°. It should be appreciated, however, that theconfiguration of the mounting member 948 may be altered in variousembodiments of the disclosure to adjust the range of movement of theunderwater system 900 as necessary or desired. Thus, ranges of movementlarger and smaller than 60° are also contemplated herein.

The rear support band 936 includes an upper, arcuate section 958 that isconfigured in correspondence with the domes 918, 920 (FIG. 26) of thehousing portions 904, 906 and a lower, planar section 960 that extendsfrom the upper section 958 and is configured in correspondence with theextensions 922, 924 of the housing portions 904, 906, respectively. Theupper section 958 includes a series of clasps 962 and the lower section960 includes a platform 964 that is configured to support the cradle910. In certain embodiments, such as that illustrated throughout thefigures, it is envisioned that the rear support band 936 may beunitarily (e.g., monolithically) formed, whereby the clasps 962 may beintegrally formed with the upper section 958 and the platform 964 may beintegrally formed with the lower section 960.

The clasps 962 each include an engagement member 966 (FIG. 30A) that isconfigured for mating contact with the latches 950 to allow forconnection and disconnection of the latches 950 and the clasps 962during movement of the latches 950 between the open (unlocked) andclosed (locked) positions, and, thus, repositioning of the underwatersystem 900 between the open and closed positions. So as not to interferewith image/video capture, in certain embodiments, such as thatillustrated in FIGS. 26-31, as discussed with respect to the mounts 944and the latches 950, the clasps 962 may be oriented within the blindspots 126, 128 (FIG. 31), outside of the fields-of-view 106A, 106B ofthe lenses 108A, 108B, within the “dead zone” 130.

With reference to FIG. 32, which provides a top, perspective view of thecradle 910 and the platform 964, to facilitate proper connection andorientation of the cradle 910 with respect to the rear support band 936,the platform 964 includes one or more alignment features 968 that areconfigured for receipt within corresponding slots 970 (or other suchopenings) in the cradle 910. More specifically, in the illustratedembodiment, the platform 964 includes a pair of alignment features 968i, 968 ii positioned on opposite sides of the platform 964 that areconfigured for insertion as upstanding (vertical) ribs 972. It should beappreciated, however, that the particular configuration of the alignmentfeatures 968 may be varied in alternate embodiments without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

As seen in FIG. 32, the platform 964 further includes one or more bosses974 and a receptacle 976 that defines one or more (vertical) openings978 (e.g., slots 980) and (transverse) apertures 982 that extend ingenerally orthogonal relation to the openings 978. The boss(es) 974 areconfigured to receive one or more corresponding fasteners 984 (FIG. 26)(e.g., screws, pins, rivets, or the like) that extend throughcorresponding openings 986 in the cradle 910 to secure the cradle 910 tothe platform 964. The opening(s) 978 in the receptacle 976 arepositioned in alignment with one or more opening(s) 988 (e.g., slots990) in the cradle 910 to accommodate and receive the engagementstructure 136 (FIGS. 10, 11) on the DICD 100 (e.g., the projections138). In such embodiments, the projections 138 may be inserted throughthe opening(s) 988 in the cradle 910 and into the opening(s) 978 in thereceptacle 976 on the platform 964 to facilitate proper seating of theDICD 100 within the cradle 910 and reception of the DICD 100 by theunderwater system 900. As described in further detail below, theaperture(s) 982 in the receptacle 976 are configured to receive andaccommodate movement of the latching mechanism 912 during movementbetween locked and unlocked positions, as described in further detailbelow.

As mentioned above, the respective front and rear support bands 934, 936are pivotally connected to one another to allow for repositioning of theunderwater system 900 between the open and closed positions, as seen inFIGS. 33 and 34, respectively, which provides side, plan views of theunderwater system 900. To facilitate such movement, the respective frontand rear support bands 934, 936 include a series of corresponding hingemembers 992 that are configured to receive the aforementioned hinge pin938.

To maintain the integrity of the watertight internal cavity 916 definedby the housing portions 904, 906, the underwater system 900 includes aseries of sealed (or sealable) connections between the housing portions904, 906 and the center band 908 (i.e., the respective front and rearsupport bands 934, 936). For example, as seen in FIG. 35, which providesa partial, cross-sectional view of the underwater system 900 takenthrough one of the latches 950, in the particular embodiment of thedisclosure illustrated throughout the figures, the underwater system 900includes adhesive joints 994 to fixedly and sealingly connect thehousing portion 904 to the front support band 934 and the housingportion 906 to the rear support band 936 as well as one or more sealingmembers 996 (e.g., gaskets 998) to establish and maintain a watertightseal between the support bands 934, 936. It is envisioned that thesealing member(s) 996 may include (e.g., may be formed partially orentirely from) a compressible material, such as, for example, anelastomeric material, to facilitate radial (outward) expansion of thesealing member(s) 996 upon movement of the underwater system 900 intothe closed position (e.g., upon locking of the latches 950).

With reference now to FIGS. 26 and 32, the cradle 910 will be discussed.The cradle 910 is configured to support the DICD 100 within theunderwater system 900 and may include (e.g., may be formed from) anysuitable material or combination of materials. To facilitate receptionof the DICD 100, the cradle 910 includes a body portion 1000 definingopposite first and second ends 1002, 1004, respectively, and a seat 1006that is configured in correspondence with the body 102 of the DICD 100.

In certain embodiments, the underwater system 900 may include one ormore dampeners 1008 (e.g., bumpers, cushions, or the like) to facilitateproper location of the DICD 100 within the underwater system 900 andfurther stabilize the DICD 100 to reduce (if not entirely eliminate)undesirable movement of the DICD 100 within the underwater system 900.In the particular embodiment illustrated throughout the figures, forexample, the underwater system 900 includes one more first dampeners1008 i that are positioned adjacent to the seat 1006 defined by thecradle 910 (e.g., to vertically stabilize the DICD 100) and one or moresecond dampeners 1008 ii that are positioned adjacent to inner surfacesof the housing portions 904, 906 for contact with the faces 102A, 102B(FIG. 1A) of the DICD 100 (e.g., to laterally stabilize the DICD 100).

The cradle 910 is fixedly connected to the rear support 936 (e.g., tothe platform 964) via the fasteners 984. In certain embodiments, toincrease clearance of the latches 950 with respect to the fields-of-view106A, 106B (FIG. 31) of the lenses 108A, 108B, the seat 1006 of thecradle 910 may be positioned eccentrically relative to the body portion1000 and the center band 908. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 36,which provides a top, perspective view of the cradle 910, the cradle 910may be configured such that a midline MS (shown in a dashed line)extending through the seat 1006 is angularly offset from a midline M(shown in a solid line) extending through the body portion 1000 of thecradle 910 and the center band 908 by an angle α. In the particularembodiment illustrated, the cradle 910 is configured such that the angleα is approximately 1°. It should be appreciated, however, that theconfiguration of the cradle 910 may be varied in alternate embodimentsto increase or decrease the angle α as necessary or desired (e.g., basedupon the particular dimensions of the DICD 100, the latches 950, etc.).As seen in FIG. 36, the angular offset of the seat 1006 may be achievedby varying the thickness T of respective front and rear walls 1010, 1012of the cradle 910. To further accommodate the eccentric orientation ofthe seat 1006 and, thus, the eccentric orientation of the DICD 100within the underwater system 900, it is envisioned that the thicknessesof the extensions 922, 924 (FIG. 26) of the housing portions 904, 906may also be varied, whereby the thickness at one lateral end of theextensions 922, 924 may exceed the thickness as an opposing lateral endof the extensions 922, 924 (e.g., by approximately 1 mm).

In an alternate embodiment, it is envisioned that the aforedescribedangular offset of the seat 1006 and the DICD 100 may be achieved byvarying the orientation of the cradle 910 itself. More specifically, itis envisioned that the cradle 910 may be angularly offset from themidline M by the angle α such that the midlines M, MS are colinear andeach extend through the body portion 1000 of the cradle and the seat1006, thereby obviating the need to vary the thickness T of therespective front and rear walls 1010, 1012 of the cradle 910.

With reference now to FIGS. 26 and 37-39B, the latching mechanism 912will be discussed. More specifically, FIG. 37 provides a perspectiveview of the latching mechanism 912; FIG. 38 provides an exploded,perspective view of rear support band 936 illustrating positioning ofthe latching mechanism 912 between the cradle 910 and the platform 964;FIG. 39A provides a rear, perspective view of the rear support band 936illustrating the latching mechanism 912 in the locked position; and FIG.39B provides a rear, perspective view of the rear support band 936illustrating the latching mechanism 912 in the unlocked position.

The latching mechanism 912 is received in an undercut 1014 (e.g., arecess, a chamber, etc.) defined by the body portion 1000 of the cradle910 and includes opposite first and second ends 1016, 1018,respectively, as well as a locking pin 1020 and a stop 1022 that definea gap 1024 therebetween. The locking pin 1020 is configured forinsertion into and removal from the transverse aperture(s) 982 (FIG. 32)in the receptacle 976 of the platform 964 during movement of thelatching mechanism 912 between the locked position (FIG. 39A) and theunlocked position (FIG. 39B). More specifically, when the latchingmechanism 912 is in the locked position, the ends 1016, 1018 of thelatching mechanism 912 are generally aligned with the ends 1002, 1004 ofthe cradle 910, respectively, and the locking pin 1020 extends throughthe transverse aperture(s) 982 and the apertures 140 (FIGS. 10, 11)formed in the engagement structure 136 on the DICD 100 to therebysecurely connect the DICD 100 to the underwater system 900. When removalof the DICD 100 from the underwater system 900 is necessary or desired,the latching mechanism 912 can be moved in to the unlocked position vialateral movement (sliding) relative to the cradle 910 and the platform964, whereby the locking pin 1020 is removed from the transverseaperture(s) 982 and from the engagement structure 136 on the DICD 100.In the unlocked position, the gap 1024 defined between the locking pin1020 and the stop 1022 is generally aligned with the receptacle 976 andthe opening(s) 988 in the cradle 910, which allows the engagementstructure 136 on the DICD 100 to be removed from the receptacle 976,from the latching mechanism 912 via the gap 1024, and from the cradle910, thus allowing for separation of the DICD 100 from the underwatersystem 900. As seen in FIG. 39B, in the unlocked position, the latchingmechanism 912 is laterally offset from the cradle 910 such that the ends1016, 1018 of the latching mechanism 912 are spaced laterally(horizontally) from the ends 1002, 1004 of the cradle 910, respectively.When so positioned, the latching mechanism 912 extends laterally outwardfrom the cradle 910 such that the end 1016 of the latching mechanism 912is positioned between the support bands 934, 936 to interfere with(inhibit, block) closure of the underwater system 900, therebypreventing use of the underwater system 900 until the DICD 100 issecured in place via the latching mechanism 912. In certain embodiments,it is envisioned that the end 1016 of the latching mechanism 912 mayinclude a visual indicator 1026 (FIG. 37) (e.g., color variation,different texturing, etc.) to identify the latching mechanism 912 asbeing in the unlocked position.

The range of motion for the latching mechanism 912 is defined by thestop 1022, which is configured for engagement (contact) withcorresponding structure on the cradle 910. More specifically, duringmovement of the latching mechanism 912 from the locked position to theunlocked position, the stop 1022 is brought into engagement (contact)with a wall of the cradle 910 to thereby restrict continued movement ofthe latching mechanism 912 and maintain the assembly of the platform964, the latching mechanism 912, and the cradle 910.

Although shown as being unitarily (e.g., monolithically) formed in FIGS.26 and 37-39B (for example), in alternate embodiments of the disclosure,it is envisioned that the latching mechanism 912 may include amulti-piece construction. For example, FIG. 40 provides a top,perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the latching mechanism,which is identified by the reference character 1028 shown with partsseparated, and FIG. 41 provides a top, perspective view of the latchingmechanism 1028 upon assembly. The latching mechanism 1028 includesrespective first and second body portions 1030, 1032 that are configuredfor releasable connection (e.g., in a snap-fit arrangement). The firstbody portion 1030 includes the aforedescribed stop 1022 and defines areceiving space 1034 that is configured to receive the second bodyportion 1032. The second body portion 1032 includes the aforedescribedlocking pin 1020 and is positionable within the receiving space 1034defined by the first body portion 1030 such that the aforedescribed gap1024 is defined between the locking pin 1020 and the stop 1022 tosupport functionality in the manner discussed above. To facilitateconnection of the respective first and second body portions 1030, 1032,it is envisioned that the second body portion 1032 may include anundercut (or other such recess or opening) that is configured to receivethe first body portion 1030. In the illustrated embodiment, theaforementioned visual indicator 1026 is included on the second bodyportion 1032, which may include coloration or texturing that differsfrom that of the first body portion 1030.

With reference now to FIGS. 42-45, use and operation of the actuationmechanisms 954 i, 954 ii in connection with operation of the shutterbutton 116A and the mode button 116B on the DICD 100. More specifically,FIG. 42 provides a (vertical) cross-sectional view of the actuationmechanism 954 i prior to closure of the underwater system 900 and shownin an inactive position; FIG. 43 provides a (vertical) cross-sectionalview of the actuation mechanism 954 i upon closure of the underwatersystem 900 and shown in an intermediate (pre-loaded) position; FIG. 44provides a (vertical) cross-sectional view of the actuation mechanism954 i upon closure of the underwater system 900 and shown in an activeposition; and FIG. 45 provides a (vertical) cross-sectional view of theactuation mechanism 954 ii shown in an inactive position.

As mentioned above, the actuation mechanism 954 i is accommodated withinthe receptacle 946 i of the front support band 934. The actuationmechanism 954 i includes an actuator 1036; a post 1038 that isoperatively connected to the actuator 1036 (e.g., via a threadedconnection); and a biasing member 1040 (e.g., a spring 1042).

The actuator 1036 includes a body portion 1044 defining outer (bearing)surface 1046 that is configured for engagement (contact) with adepressible actuation button 1048 included in the top latch 950 t. Thebody portion 1044 includes a threaded aperture 1050 that is configuredto receive a threaded end 1052 of the post 1038 to secure the post 1038to the actuator 1036 such that linear (e.g., vertical) movement of theactuator 1036 causes corresponding linear (e.g., vertical) movement ofthe post 1038. To stabilize the actuator 1036 relative to the frontsupport band 934, in certain embodiments, such as that shown throughoutthe figures, the actuator 1036 may include a leg 1054 that is configuredfor receipt within a corresponding opening 1056 defined in thereceptacle 946 i to reduce (if not entirely eliminate) undesirablemovement (e.g., rocking, wobbling, etc.) of the actuator 1036.

The post 1038 is received within a channel 1058 defined by thereceptacle 946 i and is elongate (e.g., generally tubular) inconfiguration. The post 1038 includes a foot 1060 that is positionedopposite to the threaded end 1052 of the post 1038. The foot 1060defines a transverse cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) greaterthan that defined by an end of the channel 1058 to prevent inadvertentremoval (withdrawal) of the post 1038 from the channel 1058. To guardagainst water intrusion, in certain embodiments, such as that seen inFIGS. 42-44, the actuation mechanism 954 i may include a sealing member1062 (e.g., a washer, an O-ring, etc.) that is positioned about the post1038 to inhibit (if not entirely prevent) the entry of water into theunderwater system 900 through the actuation mechanism 954 i and thereceptacle 946 i (e.g., via the channel 1058).

When the underwater system 900 is in the open position, the actuationmechanism 954 i is in the inactive (extended) position (FIG. 42), inwhich, the post 1038 is spaced axially from the shutter button 116A by adistance D1, which provides sufficient clearance for insertion of theDICD 100 into the underwater system 900 and positioning of the shutterbutton 116A beneath the post 1038. Subsequent to closure of theunderwater system 900, upon depression of the actuation button 1048 inthe top latch 950 t, the actuation mechanism 954 i is moved from theinactive position into the active (depressed) position (FIG. 44), duringwhich, the post 1038 is brought into engagement (contact) with theshutter button 116A via (vertical) depression of the actuator 1036 tooperate the shutter button 116A. The biasing member 1040 is positionedabout the post 1038 within the receptacle 946 i so as to bias theactuation mechanism 954 i towards the inactive position. Upon theapplication of sufficient force to the actuation button 1048, the biasapplied by the biasing member 1040 is overcome and the actuationmechanism 954 i is moved into the active position. Upon release of theactuation button 1048, the biasing member 1040 returns the actuationmechanism 954 i to the inactive position via outward (vertical) movementof the actuator 1036, which is limited via contact between the foot 1060and the end of the channel 1058 and via contact between the actuator1036 and the actuation button 1048. To restrict outward (vertical)movement of the actuation button 1048 and resist force applied by thebiasing member 1040, in certain embodiments, the actuation button 1048may define a flange 1064 (FIG. 43) that is received beneath a shoulder1066 defined by the top latch 950 t.

As seen in FIGS. 43 and 44, in certain embodiment, the top latch 950 tmay include a detent 1068 (FIG. 43) that extends inwardly towards theactuator 1036. The detent 1068 is configured for engagement (contact)with the actuator 1036 during closure of the top latch 950 t so as topre-load the actuation mechanism 954 i via movement to an intermediate(partially depressed) position, seen in FIG. 43, between the inactiveposition (FIG. 42) and the active position (FIG. 44). More specifically,as the top latch 950 t is closed, the detent 1068 is brought intoengagement (contact) with the bearing surface 1046 of the actuator 1036to partially depress the actuator 1036 and, thus, the post 1038, toreduce the distance D1. By pre-loading the actuation mechanism 954 i,the overall amount of travel required to actuate the shutter button 116Acan be reduced. In such embodiments, the actuation mechanism 954 i isthus movable between three discrete positions: the inactive position(FIG. 42); the intermediate (pre-loaded) position (FIG. 43); and theactive position (FIG. 44).

With reference now to FIG. 45, the actuation mechanism 954 ii will bediscussed, which, as indicated above, is accommodated within thereceptacle 946 ii of the front support band 934 i. The actuationmechanism 954 ii includes an actuator 1070; a retainer 1072 (e.g., anE-clip 1074); and a biasing member 1076 (e.g., a spring 1078).

The actuator 1070 includes a first leg 1080 that is configured forengagement (contact) with the mode button 116B such that linear (e.g.,horizontal) movement of the actuator 1070 causes corresponding linear(e.g., horizontal) movement of the mode button 116B. As seen in FIG. 45,in certain embodiments, the first leg 1080 may be eccentricallypositioned, which allows the actuation mechanism 954 ii to be(vertically) offset from the mode button 116B so as to increaseclearance with the side latch 950 si (FIG. 26). In such embodiments, tostabilize the actuator 1070 relative to the front support band 934, theactuator 1070 may further include a second leg 1082 that is configuredfor receipt within a corresponding opening 1084 defined in thereceptacle 946 ii to reduce (if not entirely eliminate) undesirablemovement (e.g., rocking, wobbling, etc.) of the actuator 1070.

To guard against water intrusion, in certain embodiments, such as thatseen in FIG. 45, the actuation mechanism 954 ii may include a sealingmember 1086 (e.g., a washer, an O-ring, etc.) that is positioned aboutthe first leg 1080 to inhibit (if not entirely prevent) the entry ofwater into the underwater system 900 through the actuation mechanism 954ii. To maintain assembly and positioning of the sealing member 1086, itis envisioned that the sealing member 1086 may be retained in place by acap 1088 that is secured with the receptacle 946 ii.

The retainer 1072 is fixedly connected to the first leg 1080 of theactuator 1070 such that movement of the actuator 1070 causescorresponding movement of the retainer 1072. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the retainer 1072 is received within acorresponding (annular) channel 1090 formed in the first leg 1080. Theretainer 1072 extends outwardly from the first leg 1080 and isconfigured for engagement with a stop 1092 defined by the receptacle 946ii so as to limit outward linear (e.g., horizontal) travel of theactuator 1070 away from the DICD 100 to thereby maintain assembly of theactuation mechanism 954 ii within the receptacle 946 ii and limit therange of motion of the actuation mechanism 954 ii, as described infurther detail below.

The actuation mechanism 954 ii is movable between an inactive (extended)position (FIG. 45) and an active (depressed) position via theapplication of force to the actuator 1070 through the receptacle 946 ii.In the inactive position, the first leg 1080 is spaced axially from themode button 116B, which provides sufficient clearance for insertion ofthe DICD 100 into the underwater system 900 and positioning of the modebutton 116B inwardly of the first leg 1080. In the active position, thefirst leg 1080 is brought into engagement (contact) with the mode button116B to control operation thereof by depression of the actuator 1070. Asseen in FIG. 45, the biasing member 1076 is positioned in engagement(contact) with the receptacle 946 ii so as to bias the actuationmechanism 954 ii towards the inactive position. More specifically, inthe illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 1076 is positioned aboutthe second leg 1082. Upon the application of sufficient force to theactuator 1070, the biasing force applied by the biasing member 1076 isovercome and the actuation mechanism 954 ii is moved into the activeposition, whereby the retainer 1072 is moved inwardly and separated fromthe stop 1092. Upon release of the actuator 1070, the biasing member1076 returns the actuation mechanism 954 ii to the inactive position viaoutward movement of the actuator 1070, which is limited via contactbetween the retainer 1072 and the stop 1092.

FIG. 46 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the actuation mechanism954 ii, which is identified by the reference character 1094 ii. Theactuation mechanism 1094 ii is substantially similar to the actuationmechanism 954 ii and, accordingly, will only be discussed with respectto any differences therefrom in the interest of brevity. The actuationmechanism 1094 ii includes an actuator 1096; a trigger 1098 that isoperatively connected to the actuator 1096, the aforedescribed retainer1072; and a biasing member 1100 (e.g., a spring 1102).

The actuator 1096 includes a leg 1104 that extends into (and is securedwithin) an opening 1106 defined by the trigger 1098 so as to operativelyconnect the actuator 1096 and the trigger 1098 such that such thatlinear (e.g., horizontal) movement of the actuator 1096 causescorresponding linear (e.g., horizontal) movement of the trigger 1098and, thus, the mode button 116B. It is envisioned that the actuator 1096and the trigger 1098 may be connected in any manner suitable for theintended purpose of facilitating such corresponding movement. Forexample, it is envisioned that the leg 1104 may be received by theopening 1106 in the trigger 1098 in an interference fit, that the leg1104 may me adhesively and/or mechanically connected to the trigger 1098(e.g., via a set screw or other such fastener), or that the actuator1096 and the trigger 1098 may be unitarily (e.g., monolithically)formed. As seen in FIG. 46, the leg 1104 is centrally positioned withinthe receptacle 946 ii, but is (vertically) offset from the mode button116B. The leg 1104 supports the retainer 1072 such that movement of theactuator 1096 causes corresponding movement of the retainer 1072, asdiscussed in connection with the aforedescribed actuation mechanism 954ii.

To guard against water intrusion, in certain embodiments, such as thatseen in FIG. 46, the actuation mechanism 1094 ii may include a sealingmember 1108 (e.g., a washer, an O-ring, etc.) that is positioned aboutthe leg 1104 of the actuator 1096 to inhibit (if not entirely prevent)the entry of water into the underwater system 900 through the actuationmechanism 1094 ii. To maintain assembly and positioning of the sealingmember 1108, it is envisioned that the sealing member 1108 may beretained in place by a cap 1110 that is secured with the receptacle 946ii.

The leg 1112 of the trigger 1098 is offset from (eccentricallypositioned relative to) both the opening 1106 and the receptacle 946 ii,which allows the actuation mechanism 1094 ii to be (vertically) offsetfrom the mode button 116B so as to increase clearance with the sidelatch 950 si (FIG. 26). In certain embodiments, such as that seen inFIG. 46, for example, to stabilize the trigger 1098 relative to thefront support band 934, the trigger 1098 may define a recess 1114 thatis configured to receive a corresponding detent 1116 defined by thefront support band 934 within the receptacle 946 ii. Reception of thedetent 1116 by the recess 1114 reduces (if not entirely eliminates)undesirable movement (e.g., rocking, wobbling, etc.) of the trigger1098.

The actuation mechanism 1094 ii is movable between an inactive(extended) position (FIG. 46) and an active (depressed) position via theapplication of force to the actuator 1096. In the inactive position, theleg 1112 of the trigger 1098 is spaced axially from the mode button116B, which provides sufficient clearance for insertion of the DICD 100into the underwater system 900 and positioning of the mode button 116Binwardly of the trigger 1098. In the active position, the leg 1112 ofthe trigger 1098 is brought into engagement (contact) with the modebutton 116B to control operation thereof by depression of the actuator1096. As seen in FIG. 46, the biasing member 1100 is positioned inengagement (contact) with the receptacle 946 ii so as to bias theactuation mechanism 1094 ii towards the inactive position. Morespecifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 1100 ispositioned about the leg 1104 of the actuator 1096.

Referring now to FIGS. 47 and 48, an alternate embodiment of theunderwater system will be described, which is identified by thereference character 1200. More specifically, FIG. 47 provides anexploded, perspective view of the underwater system 1200 and FIG. 48provides a partial, (vertical) cross-sectional view of the underwatersystem 1200 shown with the DICD 100. The underwater system 1200 issubstantially similar to the aforedescribed underwater system 900 and,accordingly, will only be discussed with respect to any differencestherefrom in the interest of brevity. Throughout the discussion thatfollows, reference will again be made to the DICD 100. It should beappreciated, however, that the underwater system 1200 may be utilizedand adapted for use with any suitable DICD.

The underwater system 1200 includes a front support band 1202 that isconnected to the housing portion 904; a rear support band 1204 that isconnected to the housing portion 906; a cradle 1206 that is receivedwithin a cavity 1208 defined by the rear support band 1204; and alatching mechanism 1210. Throughout the discussion that follows,reference will again be made to the DICD 100. It should be appreciated,however, that the underwater system 1200 may be utilized and adapted foruse with any suitable DICD.

The cradle 1206 includes an upper body portion 1212 defining a seat 1214for the DICD 100 and a lower body portion 1216 defining a pair oflateral cutouts 1218, 1220 that are configured to accommodate lateral(sliding) movement of the latching mechanism 1210. The cradle 1206defines one or more opening(s) 1222 (e.g., slots 1224) that areconfigured to receive the engagement structure 136 on the DICD 100 aswell as one or more (transverse) apertures 1226 that extend in generallyorthogonal relation to the openings 1222. As discussed in connectionwith the underwater system 900, the aperture(s) 1226 are configured toreceive and accommodate movement of the latching mechanism 1210 duringlocking and unlocking thereof.

The latching mechanism 1210 includes a pair of opposing lateral members1228, 1230 that are configured for reception (and movement) within thecutouts 1218, 1220 defined by the lower body portion 1216 of the cradle1206, respectively, as well as a locking member 1232 that extendsbetween the lateral members 1228, 1230. In the illustrated embodiment,the lateral members 1228, 1230 and the locking member 1232 areillustrated as discrete structures. It should be appreciated, however,that the latching mechanism 1210 may be unitarily (e.g., monolithically)formed in alternate embodiments of the disclosure such that the lateralmembers 1228, 1230 and the locking member 1232 are integrally connected.

The locking member 1232 includes a body 1234 with pair of struts 1236,1238 that are connected by a transverse crossbar 1240 that extendsbetween the struts 1236, 1238 from end portions thereof such that thebody 1234 includes a generally U-shaped configuration. The lockingmember 1232 further includes a locking pin 1242 that extends from thestrut 1236 towards the strut 1238 in generally parallel relation to thecrossbar 1240. The struts 1236, 1238, the crossbar 1240, and the lockingpin 1242 are unitarily (e.g., monolithically) formed and may bemanufactured using any suitable method. Embodiments in which one or moreof the struts 1236, 1238, the crossbar 1240, and the locking pin 1242are formed as separate, discrete components, however, would not bebeyond the scope of the present disclosure.

The locking pin 1242 is configured for insertion into and removal fromthe aperture(s) 1226 in the cradle 1206 and the apertures 140 (FIG. 48)formed in the engagement structure 136 on the DICD 100 during movementof the locking member 1232 between locked and unlocked positions tothereby securely connect the DICD 100 to the cradle 1206 and, thus, theunderwater system 1200. The locking pin 1242 defines a gap 1244 with thestrut 1238 that is configured in correspondence with the engagementstructure 136 on the DICD 100 to allow for separation of the DICD 100from the locking member 1232 and the cradle 1206 when the locking member1232 is in the unlocked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 49 and 50, an alternate embodiment of theunderwater system will be described, which is identified by thereference character 1300. More specifically, FIG. 49 provides anexploded, perspective view of the underwater system 1300 and FIG. 50provides a partial, rear, perspective view of the underwater system 1300shown with the DICD 100. The underwater system 1300 is substantiallysimilar to the aforedescribed underwater systems 900, 1200 and,accordingly, will only be discussed with respect to any differencestherefrom in the interest of brevity. Throughout the discussion thatfollows, reference will again be made to the DICD 100. It should beappreciated, however, that the underwater system 1300 may be utilizedand adapted for use with any suitable DICD.

The underwater system 1300 includes respective front and rear housingportions 1302, 1304 and a center support band 1306 that is connected tothe housing portions 1302, 1304. In contrast to the underwater system900, the housing portions 1302, 1304 include dissimilar configurations.More specifically, the front housing portion 1302 includes a dome 1308and a generally planar extension 1310 that extends from the dome 1308and the rear housing portion 1304 includes a dome 1312; a generallyplanar extension 1314 that extends from the dome 1312; and a cradle1316.

The housing portions 1302, 1304 are pivotably connected via a hingemechanism 1318 in a clamshell-style arrangement such that the housingportions 1302, 1304 are relatively moveable (pivotable) during openingand closure of the underwater system 1300. Whereas the front housingportion 1302 is fixedly connected to the support band 1306, the rearhousing portion 1304 is movable relative to the support band 1306 viathe hinge mechanism 1318. To reduce (if not entirely prevent) the entryof water and potential leakage paths during underwater use, theunderwater system 1300 includes one or more sealing members 1320 (e.g.,gaskets 1322) that are positioned between, and configured incorrespondence with, the rear housing portion 1304 and the support band1306.

The cradle 1316 is formed integrally (e.g., monolithically) with therear housing portion 1304 adjacent to the planar extension 1314 anddefines a seat 1324 that is configured to accommodate the DICD 100. Thecradle 1316 defines one or more internal chambers (cavities) 1326arranged below the seat 1324 that are configured to receive a lockingmechanism 1328 (FIG. 51), which is described below, as well as one ormore opening(s) 1330 (e.g., slots 1332) that are configured to receivethe corresponding engagement structure 136 on the DICD 100.

Referring now to FIG. 51 as well, which provides a partial, plan view ofthe rear housing portion 1304, the locking mechanism 1328 includes oneor more buttons 1334 that are connected to one or more locking members1336 such that inward displacement (sliding movement) of the button(s)1334 causes corresponding movement of the locking member(s) 1336.Although shown as including a pair of buttons 1334 i, 1334 ii that arerespectively connected to a pair of locking members 1336 i, 1336 ii inFIG. 51, in alternate embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisionedthat the underwater system 1300 may instead include a single button 1334and a single locking member 1336.

The buttons 1334 and the locking members 1336 are accommodated by theinternal chambers 1326 defined by the cradle 1316. Each of the lockingmembers 1336 includes a first end 1338 that is fixedly connected to acorresponding button 1334 and a (free) second end 1340 that isconfigured for releasable engagement (contact) with the engagementstructure 136 on the DICD 100 during locking and unlocking of thelocking mechanism 1328. More specifically, via movement of the buttons1334, the locking members 1336 are movable between a locked (first)position (FIG. 51), in which the locking members 1336 extends throughthe apertures 140 formed in the engagement structure 136 on the DICD 100to thereby securely connect the DICD 100 to the underwater system 1300,and a unlocked (second) position, in which the locking members 1336 areseparated from the engagement structure 136 on the DICD 100 to allow forseparation of the DICD 100 from the cradle 1316 and removal of the DICD100 from the underwater system 1300. In certain embodiments, it isenvisioned that the locking mechanism 1328 may include a biasing member(not shown) (e.g., a spring) that is configured to bias the lockingmechanism 1328 towards the locked position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 1328 is configuredsuch that the locking members 1336 are disengaged from the engagementstructure 136 on the DICD 100 upon inwardly displacement of the buttons1334 and movement of the locking members 1336 towards each other. Tofacilitate such operation, the locking members 1336 each include agenerally J-shaped configuration, as seen in FIG. 51.

To protect the locking mechanism 1328 and inhibit the collection ofdust, debris, etc., in certain embodiments, the underwater system 1300may include a cover plate 1342 (FIGS. 49, 50) that is configured forconnection to the cradle 1316 to conceal the locking mechanism 1328. Itis envisioned that the cover plate 1342 and the cradle 1316 may beconfigured for releasable connection to allow for cleaning, componentrepair and/or replacement, etc.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodimentsof the disclosure described herein, and shown in the accompanyingfigures, constitute non-limiting examples, and that additionalcomponents and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussedhereinabove without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that theelements and features shown or described in connection with oneembodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure and will appreciatefurther features and advantages of the presently disclosed subjectmatter based on the description provided. Variations, combinations,and/or modifications to any of the embodiments and/or features of theembodiments described herein are also within the abilities of a personhaving ordinary skill in the art, and, thus, are also within the scopeof the disclosure, as are alternative embodiments that may result fromcombining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of thedisclosed embodiments.

Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claimmeans that the element may be included or omitted, with bothalternatives being within the scope of the claim. Additionally, use ofbroader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consistingof,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of”Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the descriptionset out above, but is defined by the claims that follow, and includesall equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatialrelationships between the various structures illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientations of thestructures. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the artafter a complete reading of this disclosure, the structures describedherein may be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for theirintended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,”“upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,”“outward,” etc., should be understood to describe a relativerelationship between the structures and/or a spatial orientation of thestructures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use ofsuch terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations providedby the corresponding figure(s).

Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,”“substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow forvariations in any numerical range or concept with which they areassociated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as“approximately” and “generally” should be understood to encompassvariations on the order of 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerancesand/or deviations in design.

Although terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein todescribe various steps, operations, elements, components, regions,and/or sections, these steps, operations, elements, components, regions,and/or sections should not be limited by the use of these terms in thatthese terms are used to distinguish one step, operation, element,component, region, or section from another. Thus, unless expresslystated otherwise, a first step, operation, element, component, region,or section could be termed a second step, operation, element, component,region, or section without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into thespecification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure.Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/orC” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or anycombination of A, B, and C.

What is claimed is:
 1. An underwater system for a digital imagecapturing device (DICD) for use in underwater environments, theunderwater system comprising: a center band including: a first supportband; and a second support band pivotally connected to the first supportband such that the underwater system is repositionable between an openposition and a closed position; a first housing fixedly connected to thefirst support band and including an optically clear material; a secondhousing fixedly connected to the second support band and including anoptically clear material; a cradle connected to the first support bandand configured to receive the DICD; and a latching mechanism positionedbetween the cradle and the first support band, the latching mechanismrepositionable between a locked position, in which the latchingmechanism securely engages the DICD, and an unlocked position, in whichthe latching mechanism is disengaged from the DICD.
 2. The underwatersystem of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism extends laterally fromthe cradle in the unlocked position such that the latching mechanism ispositioned between the first support band and the second support band toinhibit closure of the underwater system.
 3. The underwater system ofclaim 1, wherein the first housing includes a first dome and the secondhousing includes a second dome, the first dome and the second domecollectively defining define a spherocylindrical configuration such thateach of the first dome and the second dome defines a field-of-viewgreater than 180°.
 4. The underwater system of claim 3, wherein thefirst dome and the second dome are configured such that endpoints of thefirst dome and endpoints of the second dome are laterally offset from ageometrical midpoint of the DICD.
 5. The underwater system of claim 1,further including an actuation mechanism configured for engagement witha button on the DICD to control operation of the DICD, the actuationmechanism configured for movement between an inactive position, in whichthe actuation mechanism is spaced from the button on the DICD, an activeposition, in which the actuation mechanism engages the button on theDICD, and an intermediate position, in which the actuation mechanism ispositioned between the inactive position and the active position, theactuation mechanism configured for movement from the inactive positioninto the intermediate position upon closure of the underwater system.